Use of a guard wire during transjugular liver biopsy with the Colapinto needle. Technical note

The authors describe a simple modification of the Colapinto transjugular biopsy needle in which a 0.045-inch stainless steel guide wire is used. The technique allows easier and safer passage of the needle through the introducer sheath to avoid complications such as sheath puncture and expedite the procedure. The technique and successful results in seven patients are described.